Chief Executive, California Community Foundation

Hernández in 2004 joined the California Community Foundation, which partners with more than 1,600 individual, family and corporate donors, to create one of Southern California’s largest philanthropic organizations. During her tenure, Hernández has focused on health, housing and immigration programs. Prior to her current role, she served as president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Hernandez, an advocate for social justice, began her legal career as a staff attorney with the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice and worked as counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 6